Today’s podcast is about Happiness by Design with Chris Ayotte.
What does it look like to step away from a successful military career—not because you have to, but because you choose to prioritize what matters most?
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Chris Ayotte, a former Army officer who made the courageous decision to leave the military so he could be fully present during the final two years of his daughter’s high school experience. After years of service and repeated deployments, Chris found himself at a crossroads—and gave himself six intentional months to reflect on what life after the military could and should look like.
We talk about that critical window of transition, the emotional weight of changing identity, and the process of building a new life that reflects your real priorities. Chris also shares how The Northern Sentinels podcast emerged as part of his civilian reinvention—offering a new way to serve, connect, and lead.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating a career pivot, life transition, or the desire to live with more intention and clarity.
🔍 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- Chris’s decision to leave the Army to be more present at home
- How he used a six-month pause to reflect on what’s next
- The emotional and professional shift from military identity to civilian life
- The origin story of The Northern Sentinels podcast
Whether you’re navigating change, craving more alignment in your life, or just want to hear a powerful story of values-driven decision-making, I think this one will resonate deeply.
A Quick Hilarious Aside
When I asked Chris for a headshot to go with this episode, he sent me… basically the passport photo version of himself. You know the one—serious face, zero context, 0% charisma. Which is funny, because Chris is actually super engaging, warm, and funny. So I pushed back and asked for something a little more him—and what he sent made me laugh out loud.
It’s him, mid-Costco run, hugging a massive squishy stuffed animal.
And honestly? I loved it. It doesn’t scream “Army General”—but it does show the fun-loving dad and deeply human guy I got to talk to in this episode. You’ll see what I mean.
- Here’s a link to Chris’ Substack where he shares his podcast & his writing:
- Paddle for Resilience – by Chris Ayotte
- And here’s a link to Chris interviewing me on The Northern Sentinels Podcast:
- Episode 32 – Bona Normandeau–The Northern Sentinels Podcast – Apple Podcasts
If you are on the verge of a transition, I also interviewed a transition specialist in this previous episode:
Mastering Transition: Strategies to Thrive During Life’s Big Changes